Biliverdin is a green tetrapyrrolic bile pigment that is a product of heme catabolism, primarily formed in the liver and spleen. It is subsequently reduced to bilirubin, which is transported to the liver for excretion, playing a crucial role in the body's process of breaking down red blood cells and managing waste products.

Biliverdin

Green tetrapyrrolic bile pigment

Heme catabolism is the biological process by which heme, a component of hemoglobin and other hemoproteins, is broken down into biliverdin, iron ions, and carbon monoxide. This pathway is crucial for the recycling of iron and the detoxification of heme, preventing oxidative damage and maintaining cellular homeostasis.

Heme Catabolism

The liver is a vital organ responsible for detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. It plays a crucial role in metabolism, regulation of blood sugar levels, and storage of nutrients, making it essential for overall health and homeostasis.

Liver

The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, primarily responsible for filtering blood, recycling iron, and supporting immune function by producing white blood cells. It also acts as a blood reservoir, releasing stored blood in case of hemorrhagic shock or increased demand for oxygenated blood.

Spleen

Bilirubin is a yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway that breaks down heme in red blood cells, and its levels are a key indicator of liver function and health. Elevated bilirubin can lead to jaundice and is often associated with liver diseases, hemolytic disorders, or bile duct obstructions.

Bilirubin

Liver for excretion

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are the most common type of blood cell and are primarily responsible for delivering oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. Their biconcave shape and lack of a nucleus allow for maximum surface area and flexibility, optimizing their role in gas exchange and transport within the circulatory system.

Concepts

Relevant Degrees

Your Lessons